Counter Violent Extremism – Connecting Communities

In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism, Meridian will implement two exchange programs between the Belgian city of Liege and the American cities of Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee for municipal officials, police, youth leaders, NGO leaders, social entrepreneurs, and others. During the programs, participants will meet with their professional counterparts to sharing best practices in order to improve countering violent extremism programs in their home cities, as well as creating new programs and continued collaboration between the city pairs.

During the American delegation’s trip to Liege in September 2018, participants met with government representatives, academics, law enforcement, community organizers, youth organizations, media representatives, and faith-based organizations. The participants also had opportunities to engage in cultural events such as attending a local soccer match in Liege. The Belgian exchange to the United States will take place in early 2019.

Project Team